Petaluma Man Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI With Children In the Car

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence with children inside the car after a witness gave police his license plate, police said.

Around 9:13 p.m. police received a report of a potential drunk driver. The caller provided the car's license plate number and gave police a general description of the car, the Petaluma Police Department said.

Police went to an apartment complex where the vehicle was registered on the 500 block of Lakeville Circle. As officers arrived, they observed the car pulling into the parking lot. While trying to park, the vehicle ran into curb, police said.

Police approached the driver and observed "objective signs of intoxication," officials said. The driver was identified as Eric PabloGarcia. After conducting an investigation, police said that PabloGarcia under the influence of alcohol.

Pablo Garcia reportedly resisted arrest and was taken to the ground by officers. He was taken to a nearby hospital for medical clearance and later booked into Sonoma County Jail.

Two small children were found inside the vehicle, ages 1 and 4. The children were handed off to family members.

During a records check, police discovered that PabloGarcia was driving the vehicle without a valid driver's license.

His blood alcohol content was .31 and .32 percent, four times the legal limit, according to evidentiary breath tests.

Motorists arrested for driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, the department said.

"Petaluma Police advise [motorists] to plan ahead if you’re going to go out and drink alcohol, designate a sober driver or share a ride," officials wrote in a statement.